Dragonlair Spider MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Spider
Abilities Reach
Power 5
Toughness 6

Key Takeaways

  1. Transforms each opposing spell into a 1/1 token, enhancing your board presence with each cast.
  2. Its ability for token generation at instant speed can disrupt an opponent’s strategy unexpectedly.
  3. Requires a careful deck setup around its red and green mana cost and six mana investment.

Text of card

Reach Whenever an opponent casts a spell, put a 1/1 green Insect creature token onto the battlefield.

Swarms thrive in its nest, feeding on leathery bits of discarded wing.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dragonlair Spider presents a unique opportunity for accumulating card advantage in a surprising way. Each time an opponent casts a spell, you get a 1/1 green and red Insect creature token. This rapidly populates your board, effectively translating spells from your opponent’s arsenal into potential power for you.

Resource Acceleration: Through its passive ability to generate tokens, the Dragonlair Spider can drastically enhance your resource acceleration. These tokens not only present threats that must be answered but can also be utilized as a ramp by synergizing with various aspects of gameplay such as sacrifice mechanics or as fodder for convoke spells, thus advancing your board state at an impressive speed.

Instant Speed: While the Dragonlair Spider itself is not an instant speed spell, the tokens it produces whenever an opponent casts a spell can be a surprise blocking force. The ability to create tokens at any time, including during your opponent’s turn, can significantly disrupt their calculations and potentially seize control of the game’s pace.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Dragonlair Spider card demands player investment and a strong setup to reap its benefits, including potentially having to let go of valuable cards from your hand to accommodate its needs. This might put the player at a disadvantage, especially when facing strategies that deplete your hand or when trying to maintain card advantage against your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: With a specific mana cost that includes both red and green, Dragonlair Spider can be a tricky fit for decks not dedicated to these colors. This makes it less versatile compared to other creatures that have more flexible color requirements, potentially limiting the decks it can be effectively played in.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring six mana to cast can be quite the investment when playing the Spider. Though it has the potential to create numerous tokens, there are alternatives that might be considered more cost-effective. This high cost can be particularly cumbersome in the fast-paced games where board presence at lower mana costs becomes critical.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Dragonlair Spider is a powerful addition that can seamlessly blend into various deck archetypes, particularly those that thrive on creating creature tokens and leveraging them for control or aggressive strategies.

Combo Potential: With each opposing spell cast, this spider generates a 1/1 insect creature token, providing ample fodder for sacrifice effects, growing armies for swarm tactics, or enhancing synergies with other cards that benefit from token generation.

Meta-Relevance: Given the right environment, where opponents often play numerous spells in a turn, Dragonlair Spider can be extremely relevant by consistently disrupting their pace with a growing number of token creatures that pose a threat or serve as a defensive line.


How to beat

Dragonlair Spider is a formidable presence in Magic: The Gathering, known for its ability to spawn 1/1 green and red Insect creature tokens whenever an opponent casts a spell. Tackling this powerful card requires a strategic approach. Firstly, controlling the timing of your spells can limit the number of tokens it generates. Casting spells on your own turn, when possible, minimizes the opportunities for token creation.

Removal spells that bypass the battlefield, such as exile effects, can effectively remove Dragonlair Spider without having to deal with its token progeny. Cards like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares are prime examples. Counteracting the Spider also involves managing the swarm of Insects. Board wipes such as Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict can clear out multiple tokens in one fell swoop, mitigating the advantage Dragonlair Spider could provide over time. Dealing with this creature efficiently ensures that the arachnid threat doesn’t overrun your game plan.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delving into MTG’s tactical depths can lead to discovering cards like the Dragonlair Spider that fundamentally alter gameplay dynamics. If card advantage and resource acceleration interest you, integrating this creature into your deck could be a game-changer. The value of generating countless insect tokens can shift tides in your favor, transforming opponents’ spells into an expanding army for you. Striking that perfect balance between powerful plays and strategic deck building is key to mastering MTG. Be sure to explore strategies that capitalize on token generation and adapt to the evolving meta. Could the Dragonlair Spider weave victory into your future matches? Learn more with us and make each game a legendary conquest.


Cards like Dragonlair Spider

Dragonlair Spider is a powerhouse within the realm of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, standing out for its unique ability to spawn 1/1 green Insect creature tokens each time an opponent casts a spell. This ability shares parallels with cards like Luminarch Ascension and Tendershoot Dryad that also capitalize on token generation as a strategy.

Luminarch Ascension, for instance, generates angel tokens under the condition of not losing life during opponents’ turns, showcasing a defensive approach towards token production. Tendershoot Dryad, conversely, steadily creates Saproling tokens during each of your upkeeps, assuming a proactive stance in token proliferation.

While these cards offer token generation through different playstyles, Dragonlair Spider distinguishes itself by directly rewarding the player in response to opponents’ actions. This, combined with its capacity to potentially produce an unlimited number of tokens, makes it a uniquely reactive and considerably aggressive participant in matches. Its utility in a variety of deck types further propels Dragonlair Spider’s appeal to players looking to turn their opponents’ spellcasting into a formidable army of creatures.

Luminarch Ascension - MTG Card versions
Tendershoot Dryad - MTG Card versions
Luminarch Ascension - Zendikar (ZEN)
Tendershoot Dryad - Rivals of Ixalan Promos (PRIX)

Cards similar to Dragonlair Spider by color, type and mana cost

Marhault Elsdragon - MTG Card versions
Livonya Silone - MTG Card versions
The Lady of the Mountain - MTG Card versions
Jerrard of the Closed Fist - MTG Card versions
Shambling Strider - MTG Card versions
Stangg - MTG Card versions
Rock Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Viashivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Rubblehulk - MTG Card versions
Sarinth Greatwurm - MTG Card versions
Dragon Broodmother - MTG Card versions
Phylath, World Sculptor - MTG Card versions
Gruul Nodorog - MTG Card versions
Foxfire Oak - MTG Card versions
Wort, the Raidmother - MTG Card versions
Valleymaker - MTG Card versions
Cavern Thoctar - MTG Card versions
Valley Rannet - MTG Card versions
Ruination Wurm - MTG Card versions
Scab-Clan Giant - MTG Card versions
Marhault Elsdragon - Masters Edition III (ME3)
Livonya Silone - Masters Edition III (ME3)
The Lady of the Mountain - Masters Edition III (ME3)
Jerrard of the Closed Fist - Legends (LEG)
Shambling Strider - Masters Edition (ME1)
Stangg - Masters 25 (A25)
Rock Basilisk - Mirage (MIR)
Viashivan Dragon - Visions (VIS)
Rubblehulk - RNA Guild Kit (GK2)
Sarinth Greatwurm - The Brothers' War Promos (PBRO)
Dragon Broodmother - The List (PLST)
Phylath, World Sculptor - Zendikar Rising (ZNR)
Gruul Nodorog - Guildpact (GPT)
Foxfire Oak - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Wort, the Raidmother - Modern Masters 2017 (MM3)
Valleymaker - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Cavern Thoctar - Shards of Alara (ALA)
Valley Rannet - Commander 2013 (C13)
Ruination Wurm - Gatecrash (GTC)
Scab-Clan Giant - Double Masters 2022 (2X2)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dragonlair Spider MTG card by a specific set like Planechase 2012 and Commander's Arsenal, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Dragonlair Spider and other MTG cards:

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See Magic products

Printings

The Dragonlair Spider Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2012-06-01 and 2016-11-25. Illustrated by Carl Critchlow.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-06-01Planechase 2012PC2 872003normalblackCarl Critchlow
22012-11-02Commander's ArsenalCM1 62003normalblackCarl Critchlow
32015-11-18Legendary Cube Prize PackPZ1 992015normalblackCarl Critchlow
42016-08-26Conspiracy: Take the CrownCN2 2012015normalblackCarl Critchlow
52016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 872015normalblackCarl Critchlow

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dragonlair Spider has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Dragonlair Spider card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2012-06-01 The triggered ability will resolve and the Insect will be created before the spell that caused it to trigger resolves.
2012-06-01 The triggered ability won’t be affected if the spell that caused it to trigger is countered.

Recent MTG decks

Continue exploring other format decks
More decks